'An Ending' by Philip Levine
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Early March.The cold beach deserted. My kidshome in a bare house, bundled upand listening to rock musicpirated from England. My wifewaiting for me in a bar, alonefor an hour over her sherry, and noneof us knows why I have to paceback and forth on this flatand birdless stretch of gleaming sandwhile the violent air shoutsout its rags of speech. I recallthe calm warm sea of Florida30 years ago, and my brotherand I staring out in the hopethat someone known and lovedwould return out of air and waterand no more, a miracle a kidcould half-believe, could seeas something everyday and possible.Later I slept alone and dreamedof the home I never had and wakenedin the dark. A silver light sprayedacross the bed, and the littlerented room ticked toward dawn.I did not rise. I did not goto the window and addressthe moon. I did not cryor cry out against the houror the loneliness that stillwas mine, for I had growninto the man I am, and Iknew better. A sudden voicecalls out my name or a nameI think is mine. I turn.The waves have darkened; the sky'sdescending all around me. I readonce that the sea would cometo be the color of heaven.They would be two seas tiedtogether, and between the twoa third, the sea of my own heart.I read and believed nothing.This little beach at the endof the world is anywhere, and Istand in a stillness that will lastforever or until the first lightbreaks beyond these waters. Don'tbe scared, the book said, don't fleeas wave after wave the breakers risein darkness toward their ghostly crests,for he has set a limit to the seaand he is at your side. The seaand I breathe in and out as one.Maybe this is done at lastor for now, this search for whatis never here. Maybe all thatancient namesake sang is true.The voice I hear now ismy own night voice, going outand coming back in an old chantthat calms me, that calms-- for all I know -- the wavesstill lost out there.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An In-Depth Exploration of Philip Levine's "An Ending"
Philip Levine's "An Ending" is a poem that speaks volumes about the human condition. It is a poignant reflection on life's temporal nature and the inevitability of death. The poem is a testament to Levine's mastery of language and his ability to convey deep emotions in a few lines. This literary criticism and interpretation aims to delve into the meaning of Levine's poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
Summary of "An Ending"
"An Ending" is a short poem that consists of three stanzas, each containing three lines. The poem begins with the speaker describing the sun setting over the city, as he stands on a bridge watching the water flow beneath him. He then turns his attention to the people around him, who are going about their daily business, unaware of the beauty of the setting sun. Finally, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death, comparing it to the setting sun.
Themes in "An Ending"
The central theme of "An Ending" is the transience of life. Levine uses the image of the setting sun to convey the fleeting nature of existence. The sun, like life, is beautiful and radiant, but it is also temporary. The poem suggests that life, like the sun, is destined to end, and that this ending is an essential part of its beauty.
Another theme in "An Ending" is the human condition. The speaker looks at the people around him and sees their preoccupation with their daily lives. He observes that they are oblivious to the beauty of the setting sun, which suggests that they are too busy with their lives to appreciate the magnificence of the world around them. This theme highlights the human tendency to focus on the mundane and overlook the extraordinary, which is a recurring motif in Levine's poetry.
Literary Devices in "An Ending"
Levine uses several literary devices in "An Ending" to convey his themes effectively. One such device is imagery. The poem is rich in visual imagery, which paints a vivid picture of the setting sun, the flowing water, and the people around the speaker. The imagery creates a sense of atmosphere and mood, which contributes to the poem's overall effect.
Another literary device used in "An Ending" is metaphor. Levine compares the setting sun to death, suggesting that both are inevitable and that both are beautiful in their own way. The comparison is a powerful one, as it highlights the circular nature of life and death, and the idea that death is not something to be feared but embraced as a natural part of the human experience.
The structure of "An Ending" is also worth noting. The poem consists of three stanzas, each containing three lines. The use of a tripartite structure creates a sense of balance and symmetry, which is appropriate given the poem's themes. The short lines also contribute to the poem's overall brevity, which is appropriate given its subject matter.
Interpretation of "An Ending"
"An Ending" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition. The poem suggests that life is temporary and that death is an essential part of its beauty. The comparison of the setting sun to death is a powerful metaphor that highlights the cyclical nature of life and death. The poem also suggests that we are often too preoccupied with our daily lives to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, which is a lesson that we should take to heart.
At its core, "An Ending" is a meditation on the fragility of life and the importance of living in the moment. The poem encourages us to take a step back from our busy lives and appreciate the world around us, to find beauty in the everyday and to embrace the inevitability of death.
Conclusion
"An Ending" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human condition. Levine's use of imagery, metaphor, and structure creates a powerful and evocative piece of poetry that encourages us to reflect on our own lives and our relationship with the world around us. The poem's message of embracing the transience of life is a valuable lesson that we can all learn from, and its beauty is a testament to Levine's skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. It is a medium that allows us to express ourselves in ways that are both personal and universal. Philip Levine's poem "An Ending" is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of life and death, and the beauty that exists in both.
The poem begins with a description of a "cold and starless night" that is "as black as death." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the beauty that can be found in the midst of it. The speaker of the poem is reflecting on his own mortality, and the fact that he will one day cease to exist. He is also contemplating the idea that everything in life must come to an end, and that this is a natural part of the cycle of life.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to describe the beauty that he sees in the world around him. He talks about the "shimmering stars" that are "like jewels in the sky," and the "soft and gentle breeze" that blows through the trees. He also describes the "sweet and fragrant flowers" that bloom in the fields, and the "rippling waters" of the river that flows nearby. These descriptions are all meant to convey the idea that even in the midst of death and darkness, there is still beauty to be found in the world.
The speaker then turns his attention to the idea of poetry itself, and how it can capture the beauty and meaning of life. He says that poetry is "the voice of the soul," and that it has the power to "speak the truth" about life and death. He also says that poetry is a way of "keeping alive" the memories of those who have passed away, and that it can help us to find meaning and purpose in our own lives.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says that even though he knows that he will one day die, he is not afraid. He says that he will "embrace the darkness" and "go gently into that good night." This is a reference to the famous poem by Dylan Thomas, which also deals with the theme of death and dying. The speaker of Levine's poem is saying that he is ready to face death with courage and grace, and that he will do so with the knowledge that there is still beauty and meaning to be found in the world.
In conclusion, "An Ending" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of life and death. It is a meditation on the inevitability of death, and the beauty that can be found in the midst of it. The poem is also a tribute to the power of poetry itself, and how it can help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Philip Levine was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his talent and skill as a poet.
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